Hello! My name is Hayley Eaton and I am very excited to be starting an Arthritis Introspective Support System in Norman, Oklahoma. Together, I hope that we can form a Fun, Empowering, and Supportive Community/Network of people living with arthritis in the prime of life.
I decided to start this group because I saw a need for one to serve those in Norman and the surrounding area. I thought that surely I must not be the only one, and I was happy to find that I was right – I was not alone. In fact, no one should ever feel alone in facing this chronic disease. We are all in this together, and we can help each other through the simple fact that we truly understand what the other person is going through.
Here’s a little of my personal story: I have been actively involved with the Oklahoma Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, including working as an unpaid intern two summers ago. I have participated in the Norman Arthritis Walk for the past three years, and last year I was the Top Fundraiser as well as the Honoree. More importantly, I’ve been living with arthritis for as long as I can remember.
I was diagnosed with JRA at 18 months of age. After fighting the battle with different medications over the years, my joints themselves began to feel much better. However, the disease began to severely impact my eyes, and two major surgeries would be necessary to correct the problem. Now, I’m fighting the RA on two fronts, in my knees and in my eyes, but I do my best to not let it stop me. I’ve trained for and completed 6 half-marathons since 2008, surely proving that I am just as stubborn as my disease.
Read more about me on my Blog. I combine three significant aspects of my life - reading literature, running long distances, and living with Rheumatoid Arthritis - I attempt to prove that true bliss doesn't come from ignorance but from knowing. Simply put, being aware of the world around us and keeping an open mind make us better people! :)
Meeting other people with arthritis can make a huge difference in well-being because we just get it. This is where this support group comes in. We can help each other through various social and educational activities, and truly improve our lives and our well-being. On a less serious note, we can have fun together! Arthritis may be what brings us together, but we’ll stick together as friends.
So, whether you’ve just been diagnosed, or have been fighting arthritis for years, you’re invited to join the party. Feel free to email me for more information.
I am looking forward to meeting you! Keep checking back. Soon we’ll be announcing our first meeting and schedule of upcoming events.
Sign up here for the Norman Oklahoma Support System
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